Summerslam Preview and Predictions

The biggest show of the summer has finally arrived, as SummerSlam takes place on August 19 in Brooklyn, New York. It’s a near damn perfect card, topped off with a fresh new matchup between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns.

The Panel:

Spencer: Y’know, I simply wish that I cared more about this match. While I’m a fan of Cedric Alexander, his title reign hasn’t exactly set the world on fire, and I personally enjoyed Gulak prior to his turn as a more serious heel. Despite my lack of enthusiasm, this should be an outstanding match – one that features the first title change on the SummerSlam card. Prediction: Drew Gulak

Parker: With Enzo Amore saying he’ll never wrestle again, we have to settle for Alexander vs Gulak. Both have been fantastic since Amore left WWE, with Alexander having great title defences, and Gulak becoming a much more serious, calculating heel. I’ve had no problems with Cedric’s title run, but I feel like Drew could do some great things with the belt. With the top notch babyfaces in 205 live – Mustafa Ali, Gran Metalik, Noam Dar all come to mind, and considering Alexander has already beaten most of the heels on the roster, a title change here could be great. Prediction: Drew Gulak becomes the new Cruiserweight Champion

Prince: I haven’t payed much attention to the cruiserweights lately and I think a part of it has to do with Cedric. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a fantastic wrestler, but I think the title needs to change hands to make things fresh. I am a huge fan of Drew’s and it’s now it’s his time to reign. Prediction: Drew Gulak

Hayden: Despite being two of the most multi-talented wrestlers on the roster, throwing Gulak and Alexander into a feud with nothing behind it does little to capture attention. Honestly, I don’t know how Gulak even earned a title opportunity. That said, this will be a fine background match as I drink alone in my basement, priming myself for the Loneliest Party of the Summer. Prediction: Cedric Alexander

Rusev & Lana vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas & Zelina Vega

Sportsk

Spencer: The story of the breakup of Rusev Day might be the best thing going on Smackdown Live. This should be a terrific match given the talents involved; however, I don’t see the Bulgarian Brute and the Ravishing Russian walking away with a victory. Almas and Vega walk away from SummerSlam with their hands raised. Prediction: Almas & Vega

Parker: What a well built feud. Lana and Vega have been the MVP’s of this feud, which is saying something. Rusev and Almas are two of the most underutilized talents on Smackdown – and mixed tags are always fun. My only gripe is that this’ll be on the Kickoff, but whatever. However, Almas and Vega should still win – Vince is apparently very high on Almas, so why not give him yet another signature win? Prediction: Almas and Vega win.

Prince: I think Smackdown has done a great job on building their card for this event and that begins here. Great talents, great build – up and it should payoff in a great match. As much as I love Rusev and Lana, Almas and Vega should win here. On a side note, does Almas look like Rusev or does Rusev look like Almas? Prediction: Almas & Vega

Spencer: Oh man, do I love me some Revival. Dash and Dawson are likely the most talented tag team on the main roster, and the Top Guys are about due for a title reign. Look for them to pick up a quick victory. Prediction: The Revival

Parker: I hate the god damn B-Team, and I love the Revival. With rumors of reuniting American Alpha, would you rather see them feud with Axel and Dallas? Or , would you rather revitalize one of the best feuds in NXT? Prediction: The Revival.

Prince: Like many NXT call – ups, The Revival have been going through booking hell since coming onto the main roster. The only thing to make it right? Them becoming tag champs and having a dominant run with the titles. Prediction: The Revival

Hayden: Man, oh man, do the B-Team suck. For the record, these are my two most hated professional wrestlers on the planet, bar none. They possess all the charisma of a timid child apologizing to his father and immediately getting the strap for it, which I imagine is more or less equivalent to what they deal with backstage. The Revival must win, and they will. Prediction: The Revival

Kevin Owens vs. Braun Strowman (Money in the Bank Briefcase at stake)

Spencer: Kevin Owens is the far more interesting option to be carrying the Money in the Bank Briefcase. However, I can’t see KO defeating the Monster Among Men twice in a row, even though his victory came after being thrown off the top of a cage. Braun gets his win back here, and retains his briefcase. Prediction: Braun Strowman

Parker: Taking a page from Bubba Ray’s book, I do believe the person that will walk out of here with the briefcase will probably walk out of here Universal Champion – maybe not Sunday, but definitely Monday. While I have no real problem with Braun, I just don’t think he needs the briefcase to be a champion. I see him being in the title picture regardless. Besides, he’s entertaining enough as is. I do love KO, and I believe he’s owed another reign after losing that horrendous match to Goldberg at Fastlane. Owens is a far better fit for the briefcase, and Strowman is so entertaining as is, and can easily be protected in a loss with this stipulation. Prediction: Kevin Owens (going with my heart)

Prince: What a toss up. I am a fan of both men and I do think Strowman will continue to be over even without the briefcase or a title. With that being said, I am leaning towards KO winning here as it can lead to many interesting future storylines. I also think after winning the briefcase, KO won’t be done for the night…. Prediction: Kevin Owens

Hayden: This match is undoubtedly the most difficult to call. 4 possible different champions heading out of Summerslam, or Monday Night RAW. In my mind, Mr. Monster in the Bank will hang on to his briefcase – and cash in on a vulnerable Roman Reigns to become Universal Champion. Believe that. Prediction: The Braun Strowman

Constable Baron Corbin vs. Finn Balor

Spencer: After Corbin’s atrocious performance against John Cena at last year’s event, can he pull out a victory over one of the most popular members of the WWE? No, no he can’t. Prediction: Finn Balor

Parker: Remember when Balor won the Universal Championship at this event? Yeah? Me too. Why he’s in the midcard, I don’t know. Really, whoever wins the Universal Championship – other than maybe Strowman – Balor could have great matches with. KO or Roman, maybe Brock is WWE feels like going batshit again, Balor could do great things again. My only question is: do we see the Demon return? Prediction: Finn Balor.

Prince: I am pretty tired of this feud. Corbin has improved with his new “Constable” character but this such a waste for Finn Balor. Finn needs a win and needs a strong showing to help build him back to the main event picture. Balor wins and hopefully moves onto a more high – profile feud. Prediction: Finn Balor

Hayden: Thank Christ. I have been waiting for a payoff to this feud. Not like we haven’t seen this match before. Current Constable and future President “Corbin” has his work cut out for him, but I think Balor is taking this one home. Prediction: Finn Balor

Spencer: There is absolutely 100% no reason that Ronda Rousey shouldn’t win this match. She’s obviously a better wrestler and tougher individual than Bliss, and it’s clear that she could defeat her in a straight one-on-one match. Therefore, I’m likely wrong to predict her winning this match, but hell, I’m doing it anyways. Prediction: Ronda Rousey

Parker: Keep riding the momentum of Ronda Rousey. It’s not like she’s completely absent from RAW, even though she’s not there every single week. However, she’s way better then anyone thought she would, and it would really let the wind out of her sails by having her lose to Bliss. Prediction: Ronda Rousey becomes the new RAW Women’s champion.

Prince: Ronda is the most entertaining female talent on the roster and therefore will become the new RAW Women’s champion. If you disagree, then your opinion is invalid. Prediction: Ronda Rousey

Spencer: Is there anyone in WWE more in need of a big win than Becky Lynch? The Irish Lass Kicker is one of the most popular wrestlers on the roster, but hasn’t picked up a statement victory in far, far too long. While there’s a compelling story to be told in Charlotte Flair winning the championship from under her best friends nose, and I also believe that Carmella’s championship reign still has legs in it, I think Lynch pulls out the win here. Prediction: Becky Lynch

Parker: Becky just deserves it. I don’t want to see her turn heel. Carmella as champ is a rerun of Jinder Mahal’s title reign – terrible matches and a bland champion. Charlotte would still be a step up from Carmella, but you gotta give it to Becky here, unless they’re setting her up for a huge win down the road. Prediction: Becky Lynch please, unless Charlotte turns heel again.

Prince: In agreement with Spencer and Parker, Becky REALLY needs this win. Perfect scenario is that Becky rolls up Charlotte for the victory, making Charlotte turn heel on her and gives Carmella something to bring up for her rematch. Prediction: Becky Lynch

Hayden: Thank God. Finally a match worth talking about. An intricately crafted story. Many moving pieces. Broken hearts and shattered friendships. Best of all, at the end of it, Carmella is going to retain. This match is the sacrificial altar to build on a Becky vs. Charlotte match. Strangely enough, I actually look forward to this match. Prediction: Carmella retains

Spencer: Of the four teams entered in the recent Smackdown tag team tournament, the New Day was the absolute worst option to win. Now, I’m simply hoping they don’t win the Smackdown Tag Team Championships. Prediction: Bludgeon Brothers

Parker: Will this be a better match than the New Day vs The Bar match last Tuesday? Doubtful. Are the Bludgeon Brothers really that exciting? Not really! Would the New Day benefit much from beating 2B? Not really, since they are four time champions! I’d much rather see SAnitY or the Bar here personally, but here we are. I’m lukewarm to this match, but the quality of this match should be solid. Its a flip of a coin to me here. Prediction: Bludgeon Brothers barely retain.

Prince: Why isn’t this The Bar vs The Bludgeon Brothers? Do I like The New Day? Yes. Do I want them to become tag champs again? No. Do I want The Bludgeon Brothers to retain? No. Either outcome does nothing for me. I’m just hoping The Bar or SAnitY are tag team champs by the end of the year. Prediction: Bludgeon Brothers

Hayden: As noted on the recent edition of Over the Top Rope, this match is fine. It will be good. However, it could have been so much better. The surefire draw of the New Day could have been put aside for the sake of The Club or The Bar (both of which would be fantastic) – but it’s certainly understandable that they would go with a sure thing. That in mind, I don’t think anyone is ready for another New Day title run. Take it slow. Prediction: Bludgeon Brothers

Spencer: Which cool middle-aged dad wins the United States Championship? Honestly, shouldn’t this be settled in a grill off? Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura

Parker: There’s no way they should take the title off of Nakamura. Hardy is great, but Nakamura needs to continue to establish his credibility – another clean win over Jeff would help immensely . Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura retains.

Hayden: Spencer, I don’t think Shinsuke is a dad, but I perfectly understand what you were trying to convey. Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy are, without a doubt, two of the most talented and safe fathers in WWE history. Whether or not they take this opportunity to give Jeff a little more time off remains to be seen, but I hope he’s well enough to be wrestling on a regular basis. That weighs on my predictions. I think it’s safe to say Nakamura walks out the same way he walked in: childless. Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura

Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz

The Ring Report

Spencer: Simply put, this feud has been incredibly built from start to finish. Even without their prior history, I would be excited for this. It’s truly the definition of a dream match, and regardless of the outcome, everyone wins. However, I have to believe that the result of this match is all based on Bryan’s contract situation. With rumours already out there that the leader of the YES! movement has re-signed with WWE, I’m giving the feel-good victory to Bryan. Prediction: Daniel Bryan

Parker: I love long term builds. As fantastic as Bryan making Miz tap would be, wouldn’t the Miz cheating to win get some great heat for the Miz? I wouldn’t be upset to get this prediction wrong, but imagine months of The Miz refusing a rematch, talking only about his monumental win and gloating. My ideal world? We get Miz-Styles at the Rumble, with Miz winning. Bryan wins the rumble. Miz vs Bryan for the belt at Mania. Prediction: The Awesome One cheats to win

Prince: This is how you build a feud. I honestly can’t wait for this. The story, the emotion, the investment from both wrestlers here will be great. Parker’s long term booking of this feud is exactly what I want to see, and that only happens if The Miz wins. Prediction: The Miz

Hayden: A bonafide dream match, 8 years in the making. Time builds anticipation, and it has done so beautifully in this case. Humble beginnings on NXT, consistent feuding throughout the years, and consistent cases of abuse of power on Bryan’s part while GM provide the perfect kindling for a huge match. Though gone from the ring for 3 years, Daniel Bryan is bulletproof when it comes to star-power and holding the audience’s respect, and thus can suffer the loss here while recouping it later. It seems as if many have forgotten that Bryan’s first title victory came at the hands of the Miz – and maybe it’s time for the Miz to even the score 1-1? Prediction: The Miz

Spencer: Last week, I was certain that Dean Ambrose would turn heel on Seth Rollins shortly after returning. However, after the pop he received on Monday night, how can you possibly turn him heel? Regardless of who comes out of this match as champion, I think that Ambrose will step up as their next challenger, and that simply works better in a heel/face dynamic. Besides, while the Lunatic Fringe is no slouch, I can’t see Drew McIntyre not being a factor in this one. Prediction: Dolph Ziggler

Parker: I feel like this feud is more focused on either 1) McIntyre turning on Ziggler or 2) Dean Ambrose turning on Rollins. I would like option 2 please. I feel like giving the belt to Rollins would still be fun, I think having Ambrose return to feud with Rollins would be a fantastic way to get interest back into Monday Night Raw. Their feud following the split of the shield was fantastic, and seeing the roles reversed would make a redo of this feud that much better. Prediction: Dolph Ziggler retains.

Prince: It’s tough to say who is going to turn on who, but regardless someone is turning! With that being said, the match itself will be fine and the turn is going to be the bigger story coming out of this match. Rollins doesn’t need the belt and if it Dean turning on Rollins, they don’t need any championships to make that feud great. Prediction: Dolph Ziggler

Spencer: Just sit back and enjoy, folks. This is going to be a barnburner. Prediction: Samoa Joe

Parker: Man, who ever thought this match would happen, even when Joe signed with NXT? Despite losing a step from the glory days of this rivalry, Joe/Styles produces, no if’s, and’s or but’s. While WWE has yet to really pull the trigger on the Samoan Submission Machine, they clearly do still think highly of him. Do you know who they’re really high on though? Styles reign still has a lot in the tank, in my opinion. I wouldn’t be surprised about a Joe win here (i’d be pumped, the man is great in the ring and on the mic), but I can’t see Styles losing here. Prediction: AJ Styles

Prince: Two of my favorite non – WWE wrestlers at one point. One of my favorite non – WWE feuds at one point. Now these two are reigniting that feud in a WWE ring for the WWE championship. Man, I would have never thought. Joe needs to win to finally give him a WWE title run and to make this feud last longer. Prediction: Samoa Joe

Hayden: One of my most eagerly anticipated matches since both men have signed with WWE. They have worked magic with each other over the years, and their age and experience will be invaluable for this match. As Spencer said, it will be a barnburner. Prediction: AJ Styles retains

Parker: I do like both these wrestlers. I really do. However, this feud has run itself into the ground. After three prior defeats at the hands of the Beast, another Roman Reigns loss here would be terrible for his career. However, with Brock reentering the USADA testing pool, he drops the title here in a match nobody gives a single shit about. Prediction: Roman Reigns wins, but hopefully KO cashes in to send Brooklyn home happy.

Prince: KO cashes in and saves this atrocity of a feud. Prediction: KO

Hayden: I hope to Christ Mr. Lesnar retains. I really do. Not only because he is one of my favourite wrestlers, a personal role model, and a kind young man, but because he brings a legitimacy to the title that Roman Reigns never could. Champions don’t defend their title every day. They defend when a worthy contender poses a legitimate threat to their dominance. Since Wrestlemania 33, few people have posed a threat, and none have overcome the challenge. Godspeed, Brock. I hope you’ll win, even though I know you’ll lose. Prediction: Roman Reign finally reclaims his Universal Championship, only to have it robbed of him by Braun Strowman